Whether you’re a rugged outdoorsy type or you like a camping trip to feel like a luxurious getaway, we’ve got all the advice to make your next adventure a blast.

For those who camp on the regular, you’ll know that there’s nothing more satisfying than setting up shop under a canvas roof for a few days, living off the land, and having nothing but the stars and moon above you to keep your surroundings lit up at night.

At least, that’s the way it used to be. These days, camping comes in many different forms, and it can mean anything from quiet seclusion in rugged wilderness to a VIP luxury getaway. Here are our top tips for every type of camper.

First-time camper

Never spent a night sleeping under the stars? Now is as good a time as any to experience the magic for yourself. There are loads of great spots throughout Australia that make camping a breezy experience, even if you’re new to the whole thing. Here are the basics to remember when embarking on your first trip:

• Choose your equipment carefully – you don’t need to spend a fortune on a tent and camping gear, but make sure everything you buy is made from quality materials, and built to withstand changing environments.
• Make a checklist – it’s easy to forget the essentials if you’ve never camped before. Work off a comprehensive checklist to make sure you’ve got everything on hand, and pack enough food to sustain you even if you can’t the campfire going.
• Prepare for rain – sure, the weather forecast might look like nothing but glorious sunshine for your entire trip, but Mother Nature is a fickle mistress and she can change her tune at any moment. Always pack a rainproof jacket, waterproof shoes and a spare change of clothes, just in case.

Hot spot: Bonnie Vale camping area, Royal National Park, NSW

Primitive camper

If you love to channel Bear Grylls and feel like you’re completely immersed in the wilderness when you go on a camping trip, then you probably fall into the category of primitive camper. While days spent without the luxuries of modern life can be a uniquely rewarding experience, it does have some challenges to bear in mind. Always consider the following:

• Pack the essentials – it’s easy to pack everything but the kitchen sink, but don’t forget that you’ll be carrying it all on your back. Make sure you’ve got the basics – a tent or other shelter, a sleeping bag, cooking gear, food, a water bottle and a torch – but avoid too many luxuries to keep the weight of your pack down.
• Safety first – if you’re camping in an area where you won’t have contact with others, it’s crucial to have a back-up plan in case something goes wrong. Have a first aid kit, GPS/compass, and even a flare gun or smoke signal if you’re going deep into the bush.
• Check the conditions – make sure the weather conditions are appropriate for camping before setting off (no extreme wind, for example), and find out if there will be a water source available that you can purify to drink, or if you’ll need to bring your own.

Hot spot: D’Aguilar National Park, QLD

Family camper 

One of the best ways to show the kids the beauty of the outdoors (it’s way cooler than Minecraft’s new Adventure Time pack, we swear) is with a well-planned camping trip. But a trip with the whole family means extra preparation to ensure everyone stays sane and happy. Follow these tips to make sure your trip is smooth sailing:

• Prepare the little ones – before you’ve set off in the car and heard the inevitable “Are we there yet?” it’s best to set some expectations so the kids know what they’re in for. Explain the travel time, show them photos of the campsite, and outline all the fun outdoor adventures they can have.
• Pack entertainment – if the aforementioned fun outdoor adventures fall through, make sure you have a back-up plan in place for when the kids get bored or antsy. Activities like board games or a scavenger hunt are perfect for getting the whole family involved.
• Delegate tasks – give the kids a sense of accomplishment and independence by assigning them things to do. It can be anything – from collecting water or firewood, to being the chief marshmallow toaster. Just make sure they know all the safety rules beforehand and always provide supervision.

Hot spot: Glenworth Valley, NSW

Glamper

Who said that camping can’t be glitzy and luxurious, darling? If you like the tranquility of the outdoors – but you also like sleeping comfortably, hot showers, and flushing toilets, then glamping is the way to go. It seems like there are a lot of other people in your camp (pun intended) too, because camping in style is on the rise. Luxury accommodation is becoming more and more common, so you’re sure to find somewhere good to stay. But before you book, here are some things to consider:

• The level of luxury – if you want to feel like you’re roughing it just a tiny bit, stick with a regular tent set up. For a more homely feel, a caravan or bell tent will be better protected from the elements and offer more plush surroundings.
• The sleeping set up – some glamping spots stay fairly true to the whole camping thing with top-of-the-line sleeping bags, while others provide proper bedding. Decide on just how much you want to put the “glam” in “glamping” to make finding the perfect spot easier.
• The food – if you and campfires just don’t mesh, be sure to choose a camping spot that offers a food package or more traditional cooking set up.

Hot spot: Wanderlust Glamping, Grampians, VIC

Planning your next camping adventure? Get all the camping supplies you need for a great trip.